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Car vs. Bicycle Hit and Run in Fairfield

On October 8, 2014, the Jefferson County Law Center received a call that a child on a bicycle had been hit by a female driver in a black 4 door car on Fairview Street north of Pence Elementary School and that the driver of the car continued on without stopping.

An investigation was initiated by the Fairfield Police Department. On October 13, 2014, an individual came to the Jefferson County Law Center and stated that she was the driver of the vehicle involved in the incident. This individual was Nicole Wheeler, 110 Cardinal Drive, Fairfield, Iowa 52556, whose date of birth is October 8, 1996.

Due to a conflict of interest, the investigation was turned over to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office who had assisted at the scene at the time of the incident. It was also determined that the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office had conflict of interest and the case was referred to the Wapello County Attorney’s Office.

On October 17, the Wapello County Attorney’s Office decided that Nicole Elizabeth Wheeler should be charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Injury in violation of Iowa Code section 321.261(2). This is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,875.00. She was charged with the above offense on October 20, 2014. The prosecution of this case will also be handled by the Wapello County Attorney’s Office.

Parties and agencies assisting with this investigation were the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Fairfield Police Department, the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, and the Wapello County Attorney’s Office.

We would like to thank everyone for their help in determining what happened in this incident. Due to the type of incident, and the multiple conflicts of interest, this investigation did take time. We appreciate everyone’s patience.

A criminal charge is only an accusation and the Defendant is presumed innocent until and if found guilty by a jury.